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Our “Festival of Jacarandas” from Kate Sessions Plaza to the Historic Long-Waterman House
Our “Festival of Jacarandas” from Kate Sessions Plaza to the Historic Long-Waterman House
Note: The Jacaranda street trees are usually in bloom beginning in the late spring and lasting throughout the summer. There are many of these trees also along side streets and many all over San Diego. Kate Sessions, a historic figure responsible for many of the oldest trees in San Diego, loved Jacarandas and planted many, leaving a beautiful blue legacy.
Distance: About half a mile. An easy walk to see the fine trees all along Laurel St. No restrooms but several coffee shops and a corner pub on the way. Take care at crossings.
Start at Kate Sessions Plaza
Start at Kate Sessions Plaza
This walk begins at the Kate Sessions Plaza on the south side of El Prado. It's a very inspiring place with her fine statue surrounded by plaques and nice gardens.
Kate Sessions Plaque
Kate Sessions Plaque
The first Jacarandas are across 6th Ave on Laurel St. Walk along and cross 4th Ave, and soon you will see two huge old Jacarandas along the street. Note the many younger Jacaranda trees on both sides of the street. Cross over 1st Ave and turn left along it, seeing more huge Jacarandas on the way!
Jacaranda Tree
Jacaranda Tree
Half-blooming Jacaranda Tree
Half-blooming Jacaranda Tree
Jacaranda Tree
Jacaranda Tree
Jacarandas in bloom
Jacarandas in bloom
Jacarandas in bloom
Jacarandas in bloom
The Long-Waterman Historic House is at the corner of 1st Ave and W Kalmia St. Built in 1889, this mansion is a masterpiece. Out front are two huge trees - one is a majestic Magnolia tree on the corner. Our walk ends here but if you're hungry or thirsty, one more block across the street is the beloved Hob Nob Hill restaurant. Hob Nob Restaurant is a Bankers Hill favorite on the edge of a curiously treeless commercial zone. www.hobnobhill.com
Long-Waterman Mansion
Long-Waterman Mansion
Plaque
Plaque
Historic Tree at Long-Waterman Mansion
Historic Tree at Long-Waterman Mansion
Long-Waterman House
City landmark, National Register of Historic Places
The Long-Waterman House in San Diego is one of the grandest of the great Bankers Hill mansions built during the boom period of the 1880s. It was constructed in 1889 by John S. Long, one of the founders of the Coronado Fruit Package Company, designed in what is called the American or California Queen Anne style. In 1891 the mansion was purchased by Robert Whitney Waterman, who’d just finished a term as Governor of California. He planned to spend his retirement there but died only a few months later. It was subsequently purchased in 1897 by Fred R. Hart and remained in his family’s possession for almost a century. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Enjoy the shade and happy gardens along First Street if you continue on to Hob Nob Hill restaurant.
Beautiful Garden
Beautiful Garden
Shade of Jacarandas
Shade of Jacarandas
Hob Nob Hill Restaurant
Hob Nob Hill Restaurant
After some time being closed, Nob Hill is back and recently rennovated! The elegant new interior design detracts nothing from its timeless diner appeal, with a fantastic menu and friendly staff. This long-time Bankers Hill establishment is a gem in the neighborhood and a perfect place for coffee after a jaunt through the neighborhood.
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